UMass trustees request 8 percent increase in state funding to $480 million

BOSTON (AP) — The University of Massachusetts has made a $480 million state funding request for the fiscal year that begins in July, an 8 percent increase over the current year.

UMass President Robert Caret says the request approved by the board of trustees reflects his goal of establishing a 50-50 split between state funding and money raised by the university through student tuition and fees.

Last year the state provided 43 percent of the $1.35 billion needed for the five-campus system’s educational programs. Just five years ago, the state provided 57 percent of that money.

The university made the request the day after Gov. Deval Patrick imposed $225 million in emergency state budget cuts.

Caret says the university continues to find cost savings in other areas.